The Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) has pledged $6 million to provide back-to-school assistance for parents and caregivers, to buffer auxiliary costs charged by schools.

Kingston Mayor Desmond McKenzie made the announcement during yesterday's launch of the annual Back-to-School Trade Fair 2008, to be held at the National Arena, August 16-17. The launch was held at Eden Gardens in the Corporate Area.

McKenzie told The Gleaner the KSAC would assist as much as possible in securing the futures of children through the funds.

"We are going to try and provide around $130,000-$150,000 for each division for back-to-school assistance, concentrating on areas where it is most needed," he said. "We're concerned that although school fees have been removed, we noticed that students and parents are asked to pay an enormous amount of money (in auxiliary fees)."

Despite the abolition of tuition fees, effective from last September, the funds pledged by the KSAC are to be shared among the 40 divisions within the parish to ease the burden on parents, some of whom are unable to afford the additional fees, due to the increases in food and oil prices.